Ecology Advisor

Barhale Holdings Ltd; St Albans; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm in St Albans is seeking an Ecologist to support construction projects ensuring compliance with environmental legislation. The role involves conducting ecological surveys, preparing assessments, and coordinating mitigation strategies. Candidates should hold a degree in Ecology or related field, have experience in biodiversity assessments, and possess strong report writing and stakeholder engagement skills. This position offers competitive benefits including a company pension and development training.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Private Medical

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Understanding of Wildlife and Countryside Act and protected species legislation.
• Experience conducting surveys for various species including bats, reptiles, and birds.
• Knowledge in preparing or reviewing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct ecological surveys and prepare Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Perform site inspections to ensure environmental compliance.
• Develop and monitor ecological mitigation strategies during construction.

Skills

Ecological surveys

Environmental compliance

Stakeholder liaison

Report writing

Education

Degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Job description

About Barhale

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

• Water
• Transport
• Built environment
• Energy

We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.

Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.

We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

• Tunnelling
• MEICA
• Temporary and permanent design
• Steel-fabrication
• Signs (design and fabrication)
• Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Company Website:

https://www.barhale.co.uk/

Company Showcase Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFqsoclCUZA

Why join Barhale?

• As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
• Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
• Broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects and clients
• Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success

Ecology Advisor

The Role

The role focuses on supporting construction projects and delivery teams by integrating ecological expertise into project planning and delivery. The Ecologist will develop and enhance processes to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, biodiversity protection, and best practice environmental management.

By working closely with our construction internal teams and external specialists, you will ensure ecological risks are managed proactively and sustainably, contributing to improved environmental performance, project efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Ecological Surveys and Assessments

• Conduct ecological surveys, habitat assessments, and protected species monitoring across project sites
• Prepare and review Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), ecological reports, and supporting documentation
• Identify ecological constraints and advise project teams on mitigation measures

Site Visits and Inspections

• Perform regular site visits and environmental inspections to monitor compliance with ecological mitigation measures and identify potential risks
• Report findings and advise site teams on any required actions or charges to environmental management

Regulatory Compliance and Advice

• Ensure projects comply with UK wildlife and environmental legislation (e.g., Wildlife and Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations)
• Liaise with statutory consultees and environmental agencies where required after internal discussions and approval
• Support planning applications with ecological input and evidence
• Supporting with key project documentation to ensure compliance with client expectations

Ecological Mitigation and Monitoring

• Develop, implement, and monitor ecological mitigation strategies during construction
• Coordinate habitat management, translocations, or species protection plans as required
• Maintain a record of ecological compliance and monitor ongoing environmental performance

Training and Awareness

• Provide ecological training and briefings for site teams and contractors
• Promote ecological awareness and good environmental practice across projects

About you

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field
• An understanding of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Habitats Regulations, and protected species legislation
• Experience in conducting surveys relating to bats, great crested newts, reptiles, birds, flora, and habitats
• Knowledge of preparing or reviewing EIAs and ecological reports
• Report writing, presentation, and stakeholder liaison skills
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of packages

Desirable

• Experience working on construction or infrastructure projects
• Member of CIEEM or equivalent professional body
• Geographic Information System (GIS) experience

Caring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.

As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.

From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by.

• Competitive salary
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
• 8 hours volunteering
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
• Leadership & management training and coaching
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
• Continuous service awards

Would you like to know more?

Please contact our Recruitment team via [e-mail]